Sgt. Jason Smith and his wife, Lauren
Future home of Sgt. Jason Smith
Press conference
Steps 2 Hope is announced details of its next major project. The non-profit group, based in Chattanooga, has selected Sgt. Jason Smith as the recipient of the home it plans to build in 2015.
Sgt. Smith, a Ringgold High School graduate, was injured while on patrol in Afghanistan on July 25, 2012. Sgt. Smith lost both legs in the blast that also caused severe damage to his right arm and hand, moderate damage to his left arm and hand, and severe hearing loss.
Sgt. Smith lives in an apartment home that does not meet his physical needs. Steps 2 Hope plans to honor Sgt. Smith’s sacrifice by building a home that will meet his needs and aid in his continued recovery.
This will be the second time Steps 2 Hope builds a home for a wounded veteran. In 2013, the organization built Specialist Andrew Smith, of Ooltewah, and his wife Tori a home in Apison. Thousands of donors, volunteers, friends and community members helped to build the home in just a week.
“We didn’t think we would build another home,” said Mark Wilson, Steps 2 Hope founder. “It was clear when I met Jason what needed to happen. The North Georgia community is already stepping up to lend a hand.”
Steps 2 Hope will build Sgt. Smith’s home on a piece of land not far from the state line on Salem Valley Road. The group has named the project Jason’s New Journey and plans to hold its first fundraiser and launch party on Nov. 6, at 5:30 p.m. at the Colonnade in Ringgold. The event will be open to the public.
“We need everything from skilled workers to restaurants willing to feed those workers,” said Mr. Wilson.
For information on how to volunteer, donate or sponsor Jason’s New Journey, visit Steps2Hope.com. Follow Jason’s New Journey on Twitter @JasonsNuJourney.